Cal Fire: Wildfire Danger Still High

The hot weather is expected to end throughout most of California on Thursday, with cooler temperatures in the forecast. But with no significant rainfall in sight, state officials warn of continued fire danger.

So far this year, Cal Fire crews have responded to more than 5,300 wildfires. That’s nearly 20% more than average. And state officials say the threat of new fires isn’t over.

“Even though the calendar says ‘October’ fire danger level is high. We want people to be prepared.”

Daniel Berlant is with Cal Fire. He says last year’s dry winter left vegetation with very little water content.

“This year, the moisture-level in the grass, the brush and the timber has been incredibly dry. It’s because of those dry conditions and that lack of water inside the plants that allows them to burn so quickly and also so rapidly.”

Consequently, Berlant says, there’s an above normal potential for large wildfires this month in much of Northern California and throughout Southern California…from Santa Barbara down to San Diego County.

He says people should prepare for wildfires by having an evacuation plan.